Candidate

Donovon Rodriguez

State HouseDemocrat

TX-HD125 State House

Latino·Chief of Staff to Rep. Ray Lopez (March 2024-December 2024)

Why This Race Matters

Donovon Rodriguez is running against Democratic primary (March 3, 2026): Adrian Reyna (SAISD teacher, Texas AFT/AFL-CIO endorsements), Michelle Barrientes Vela (exonerated former Bexar County Constable), Carlos Antonio Raymond. Republican primary: Ricardo Martinez, Chuck Mercer IV..

HD-125 is a safely Democratic seat covering west and northwest San Antonio where Kamala Harris won 57% in 2024. The four-way Democratic primary on March 3 is the real contest. Rodriguez has retiring Rep. Ray Lopez's endorsement but faces Adrian Reyna, who secured major labor endorsements from Texas AFT and Texas AFL-CIO. The district's Latino majority makes this a key seat for Latino representation in the Texas House.

Rodriguez served as chief of staff to Rep. Ray Lopez and previously worked for State Sen. Jose Menendez and former Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales. In 2021, he was a plaintiff in a Democracy Forward lawsuit challenging Gov. Abbott's unconstitutional veto of $400M in legislative funding that threatened 2,100 state workers' salaries. His experience bridges government, business, and nonprofit sectors.

Key dates to watch: Primary on March 3, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.

About

Donovon Rodriguez is the longtime chief of staff for retiring Rep. Ray Lopez (D-San Antonio) who endorsed Rodriguez to succeed him in HD-125. With over a decade of senior-level experience in the Texas Legislature, he has led major initiatives in infrastructure, education, and economic development. In 2021, he served as a plaintiff in a legal challenge against Gov. Greg Abbott's unconstitutional veto of legislative funding that threatened 2,100 state workers' salaries, demonstrating his willingness to stand up for working families. His work bridges government, business, and philanthropy.

Family & Heritage

Raised in a South Texas family rooted in military and public service. His late grandmother, who instilled his values of civic duty, served as a caseworker for Texas Health and Human Services making home visits across South Texas and later worked in the Telephone Reporting Unit of Corpus Christi's Police Department. Father, advisor, and family man - married with daughter Evelyn.

Political Career

Before Politics

Vice President of Business Development at Tru-Matrix Contracting Services (commercial and residential construction); Principal at Rodriguez Resource Labs, LLC; Principal at National Fundraising Partners (nonprofit fundraising and community engagement); Intergovernmental Relations Advisor for State Sen. Jose Menendez (District 26); Intern in the City Council office of former Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales; District 8 City Council Appointee on San Antonio's Small Business Advisory Committee

Key Issues & Priorities

*Better schools and fully funded public education

*Safer roads and infrastructure investment

*Affordable healthcare access

*Economic opportunity for working families

*Respect for teachers and public employees

*Security for seniors and veterans

Notable Legislation

Endorsements

Rep. Ray Lopez (retiring incumbent)